Top 10 Moving Tips

Whether you are relocating across the country or just a few miles away, moving tips come in handy. From how to pack to who to hire, we have listed our top 10 tips. Read on and discover how to make your trek easier.

1. Get rid of items you do not need

Tips for moving across the country are a little different from tips for moving around the corner. But in both instances, you can use the move to get rid of things you do not need. If you have not used an item in a year, chances are you will not. We say a year because there are seasonal items that you only use annually. But do you really need to keep and take up storage space with clothes from the 90s, hardline phones, old computer peripherals of a long-gone PC, dozens of empty coffee cans, and burnt-out Christmas lights?

And even if you are not going to move for six months, you can still start now with sorting, selling, and donating. For those making a move out of state or across the country, getting rid of clutter is even more important. At the beginning of 2021, gas prices started to climb, which made moving even more expensive. Consider that it might be less costly to eliminate larger items that you are not attached to and replace them in your new location.

2. Get Supplies

If you are not going to use a full-service moving company, you will need to buy moving supplies. Here are a few basics you will need.

• Boxes:  If you are moving a short distance, grocery store boxes are fine. But for cross-country, it is better to purchase actual moving boxes. Price the boxes locally and online for the best deals. For dishes and heavier items, smaller boxes can be better so they do not get too heavy.

• Paper for wrapping glassware: It is better to pack with more paper than less so items do not get damaged.

• Tape: You will need a lot of tape. Get a few tape guns to make taping faster.

• Mattress covers: For long moves, it is worth purchasing thick plastic mattress bags. You can find them online. This will keep the mattresses clean and dry, even if you have to store them for a while.

• Furniture covers: You can purchase thick plastic furniture covers for upholstered furniture like couches, love seats, and ottomans.

• Moving sliders: This is another useful item, especially when you arrive at the other end of your journey.

• Moving pads: You will need a stack of these to protect your dressers, TVs, headboards, and more.

• Duct tape: It is extremely useful!

3. Pack Right for the Distance

If you have a short trip across town, you do not have to worry so much about breakage. It is easy to take delicate items in your car. But long-distance moves are a different story. Here are our packing and moving tips for major moves:

• Do not skimp on the boxes—especially for breakables. And make sure to tape the boxes well on all sides.

• For dishes, wrap each one in paper, and take care not to overload the box. It is better to purchase clean paper than using newspapers because the old ink rubs off on your hands and everything else.

• Remove lampshades and put them in a box to protect them.

• If you pack valuables like jewelry or silver, pack them in the truck first, so they will not be easily accessible. And do not label them jewelry or something obvious. Instead, make a label that would let you know what is there—for example—“bedroom closet”.

• Use bedding as extra cushioning around breakables and label boxes with “FRAGILE” on anything breakable.

• Pack similar items together for each room. For example, kitchen utensils and knives together. If you have a large collection of books, consider not moving them all since they can be extra heavy. Only take your favorites. For the books you do take, pack them in smaller boxes so they are easy to lift.

• If you have already purchased your new house, get the floorplan dimensions so you are not moving furniture that will not fit. There are free online programs that you can use to create a floorplan and place the furniture.

4. Label Thoroughly

Create a labeling system for your boxes. You will need the room name the box belongs in, its contents, and whether it is fragile. For example:

• Kitchen—dishes, fragile

• Bathroom—toiletries

• Office—computer stuff, fragile

Label everything—do not assume you will remember. When boxes are labeled with the room, it is easy for anyone helping you move to know where things go.

And if you are putting your home on the market before the move, you might consider packing away the items you will not be using and put them in storage. That way, your home will be less cluttered and look more spacious.

Mark your essential boxes, so you know to keep them handy and place them in the right room. For example,

• Essentials – Bathroom, toiletries

• Essentials – Kitchen, coffee pot, filtered water jug.

5. Hire Smart

If there is any project you should not cut costs on, it is moving. That includes vendors for vehicle and personal property moving. Start researching to select who you want to use. Here are a few to check out for starters:

• Vehicle moving companies—MrCarShipper

• Full-service moving companies—Mayflower, Atlas Van Lines, or United Van Lines

• DIY companies—U-Pack, Pods, or U-Haul

• Loading and unloading help—MovingHelp (powered by U-Haul)

For both vehicle and personal property movers, try to deal directly with the company that will be moving your stuff, not a broker. With a broker, you will not know who will be doing the moving. You might pay the broker, but then they hire someone else to do the moving. And then if that company can not do it, it goes to another company.

Not only can it be confusing if anything goes wrong, but it is also challenging to figure out who is at fault if something goes wrong. It is also vital that you read reviews on sites like Google and Yelp—not on the vendor's own website. Before you hire anyone, make sure they do not have a significant number of complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website.

6. Pack the Truck Strategically

Whatever boxes and items you are going to need first, be sure to pack them last. And whatever you do, do not pack important documents that you may need. It is better to take those in your car. That is especially true if you are buying a new house and your loan has not closed. You do not want to be digging through boxes on a truck at the last minute looking for your taxes.

If you are renting a truck to drive yourself, you can often hire movers and packers. They can help you pack the truck to utilize the space strategically and save the strain on your back.

7. Plan Your Route

 If you are pulling a big truck, it is better to go on main highways and truck routes. For example, you can take Interstate 10 from Southern California all the way across the country to Florida. Though this is not the most scenic route, the road is generally good and pretty flat.

Take the time to stop by your local AAA office if you are a member and ask them the best route to take. They have a wealth of knowledge that can be especially useful if you are driving the truck yourself or towing a trailer.

Besides planning the route, if you are driving a big truck or towing a trailer, plan where you are going to stop for the night. Call ahead and make sure they have enough room in their parking lot for your larger vehicles.

8. Pack Your Car Strategically

Take only what you need—do not overpack, but do not forget the basics. If you are traveling with kids and pets, you will need to plan accordingly. For small dogs, there are booster seats so they can look out the window. And do not forget the sunshades for the windshield and the side windows. In the summertime, the heat can be intense.

Make sure to have snacks, drinks, extra phone chargers, and favorite pillows. Pack a bag that is easy to carry with one change of clothes for everyone. You do not want to have to lug heavy suitcases. For pets, consider bringing a travel bed that they will know is theirs. It will help them feel less stressed out when staying in an unfamiliar hotel.

9. Have Help on the Other End

When you arrive at your destination, you are going to need help. If you are buying a home or have already bought one, ask your real estate agent for assistance as they may have some contacts that could be of assistance. And make sure your utilities are turned on in time for your arrival.

Try and plan your arrival before noon if you are driving a big truck. That way, you will not be too tired or have to fight rush-hour traffic.

10. Direct the Unloading of Boxes

Have one person directing everyone unloading to make sure they put the boxes and furniture in the right room. Try to have them place the furniture exactly where you will want it.

Bring a few extension cords that you can plug in behind the beds. That way, it is easy to plug in your clock and lamps. If you are hiring help, have cold drinks, snacks, and cash for moving day tips.

Good luck with your move. We hope these top 10 moving tips have been helpful!